TV cameras to protect asylum seekers

Close circuit television cameras are to be installed in the back
of vans transporting asylum seekers whose claims have failed to and
from airports, writes Amy Taylor.

The announcement comes shortly after the publication of research
from the Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture
containing allegations of excessive force being used against
detainees by security staff.

The report says that medical evidence supports allegations of
“excessive or gratuitous force” being used during the
attempted removal of 12 out of the 14 people looked at. The charity
called for CCTV cameras to be fitted in the back of vans.

A Home Office spokesperson said that the cameras were being
installed “to ensure not only the safety and welfare of
detainees but also to protect escorting officers from allegations
of improper conduct”.

They will be in place from April next year.